Some say that if you haven’t been to Tibet, you’re not qualified to talk about travel. However, the only place in China that can rival Tibet is Xinjiang.
In Xinjiang, the beauty of Southern and Northern Xinjiang is different.
Mr. Ji Xianlin once said:
“There is only one place in the world where the four great human civilizations of Chinese civilization, Indian civilization, Roman civilization, and Egyptian civilization converge, and this point is not elsewhere, but in Southern Xinjiang, Xinjiang.”
And when you come to Southern Xinjiang, you can’t avoid a special and mysterious city, Kashi.
Kashi, also known as Shule in ancient times, was a transportation hub on the ancient Silk Road. Merchants gathered here, and trade was prosperous. It was a must-pass and transfer station on the Silk Road.
Kashi, which is full of unique Western Region culture and beauty, has been shrouded in mystery from ancient times to the present.
In terms of geography, Kashgar borders three countries: Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, which gives it a strong exotic flavor. This is why many people who have been to Kashgar say that there are always a few moments when they feel like they are in a foreign country.
The word “lazy” here does not mean that the people of Kashgar are lazy. It is because they have a different biological clock than other regions in China. Due to the vast territory of China spanning five time zones, Kashgar, located in the far west, is two hours behind Beijing time, even though they follow it. Therefore, it is quite common for people in Kashgar to have breakfast at 10 am, and some shops may not open until noon.
Therefore, it is quite common for people in Kashgar to have breakfast at 10 am, and some shops may not open until noon. At 10 pm, it is still daytime, and Kashgar’s nightlife only begins at midnight.
Half of the humanistic atmosphere
Kashgar Old City
If you haven’t been to Kashgar, you haven’t really been to Xinjiang. And if you haven’t been to the old city, you can’t truly understand Kashgar.
This is one of the world’s largest clusters of earthen buildings, with most of the houses made of wood and bricks. Many of the traditional houses have a history of over a hundred years, making it the only maze-like urban block in China with Islamic culture as its main feature.
Walking into the alleys of the old city, the red and yellow carved walls interweave with exquisite patterns and bright colors, giving off an exotic atmosphere.
Every household has beautiful plants in front of their doors, and the refreshing fragrance instantly permeates the entire area.
The alleys are complex, but there is no need to worry about getting lost. The people here are very friendly, smiling and greeting you in broken Chinese, saying “hello” and “goodbye”.
In this few square kilometers of old city, over 100,000 residents continue their ancient way of life, inheriting the skills passed down from their ancestors. History and culture are integrated into their ordinary daily lives.
Everything here is peaceful, slow, and quiet, keeping away from the hustle and bustle.
It is said that the beauty of Xinjiang lies in its vastness, its danger, and the stunning scenery along the way.
So when you come to Kashgar, if you have the opportunity, you must take a self-driving tour.
Southern and Northern Xinjiang are both beautiful in their own way, but they have one thing in common: the food is amazing!
Until you come to Xinjiang, you will never know the true taste of “meat”.
The taste of Xinjiang in my memory is the taste of “Big Plate Chicken”. The tender chicken, the crispy potatoes, and the soulful noodles at the end are simply delicious.
“Hand-grabbed meat” is the most authentic way to eat lamb. Dip it in secret sauce and pair it with “piyazi” (onion), and you’ll feel like you’re in heaven with just one bite!
The wise people of Xinjiang have created “hand-grabbed rice” with vegetables, meat, and rice all cooked in one pot. Paired with refreshing side dishes, it’s a lip-smacking delight.
If your significant other loves job interviews, coming here means having endless varieties of noodle dishes.
I especially love the Xinjiang-style grilled dishes, such as the fatty and lean grilled buns, which are so oily and delicious.
In Xinjiang, there are so many types of flatbreads that can be distinguished, such as meat flatbread, oily flatbread, wo wo flatbread, sesame flatbread, slice flatbread, and Hilman flatbread…
You may find it hard to believe, but in Xinjiang, all kinds of eggs can be grilled, and the grilled eggs are even more tender and fragrant than boiled ones!
You can only taste Nangkou Rou in Xinjiang, where the meat is grilled in a unique pit oven, which maximizes the retention of the meat’s moisture, resulting in a crispy and fragrant exterior and a particularly tender interior.
△ Roasted Lamb Leg
So, when you visit Xinjiang, you must come to Kashgar.
This ancient city, which has slept in the desert for thousands of years, creates unforgettable memories.